• The Niobrara National Scenic river comes alive with color in the fall.

    Niobrara

    National Scenic River Nebraska

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Washout on River Road 1 mi. East of Norden Bridge NOT affecting most river user access

    Avoid travel on River Road 1 mile east of Norden Bridge. Runoff has washed out a section of River Road making it impassible in the immediate area. DOES NOT AFFECT MOST RIVER FLOAT USERS. Keya Paha County officials are working on solutions the situation

Environmental Factors

Technician collects samples

Biology technician collects samples of aquatic life.

NPS photo

The Niobrara is a relatively undammed river for most of its 535 miles. The only dam that currently exists on the Scenic River stretch is Cornell Dam. Cornell Dam is located on the Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and has a significant historical context for the Niobrara River Valley and the nearby town of Valentine. The dam was built in the early 1900's, but has not been operational since 1984. It now exists as a "run-of-the-river" dam; however it still serves as an impediment to upstream migration of aquatic species. It also continues to alter the hydrology of the upper portion of the Scenic River stretch.

Did You Know?

Paleontologist displays fossil rhino vertebra

The Niobrara River valley has several globally and nationally significant fossil mammal sites. Paleontologists have found mammals such as camels, horses, mastodons and rhinos. Click "More" to visit the Niobrara National Scenic River "Fossils" page. More...